Raj Mutti, Regional General Manager, BC Racing, announced today a 40-race stakes schedule at Hastings Racecourse in 2013 highlighted by the 68th running of the Grade 3 $150,000 BC Derby on Sunday, September 8.

“We’ve spread out the stakes races this year and have created eight special event days that include our richest single-day cards of the season: BC Cup Day on Monday, August 5 and BC Derby and BC Oaks Day on Sunday, September 8,” Mutti said. “Our mandate was to put together a balanced stakes schedule.”

With the 2013 thoroughbred season beginning the weekend of April 13-14, the stakes schedule launches just two weeks later with the Brighouse Belles on Saturday, April 27; George Royal on Sunday, April 28; Ross McLeod on Saturday, May 11 and Jim Coleman Province on Sunday, May 12.

Then the eight special event days click into gear with multiple stakes on the designated dates as follows:

Victoria Day Holiday – Monday, May 20: John Longden 6000 and Strawberry Morn.

Mutti said that Hastings’ industry-leading low takeouts will once again be at 15% Win, Place and Show and Pick 3, 4, 5 and Daily Double features throughout the season. Post times will be consistent with weekend and holiday start times set for 1:50 p.m. and 7 p.m. starts for the 12 Friday Night Live cards. Because of added races on BC Cup (Aug. 5) and BC Derby/Oaks (Sept. 8), start times will be 12:50 p.m.

Hastings Racecourse & Casino is located in Vancouver, B.C. and features live and simulcast wagering, a vibrant slot gaming floor, numerous dining operations, private and public event facility rental opportunities, spectacular views of the North Shore Mountains and outstanding guest services.